Your Spring Pest Checklist: 5 Early Warning Signs to Watch
Spring is pest season’s opening act. As temperatures warm up, insects and rodents that have been dormant or hiding all winter start becoming active again. The good news? Most pest problems are way easier to handle if you catch them early.
This quick 5-point checklist will help you spot early warning signs of pest activity around your home – before small issues become expensive infestations. Grab a flashlight and spend 5 minutes checking these areas this weekend.
Spotted something? Not sure what you’re looking at?
Text a photo to 945-245-4227 and we’ll help you identify it.
Item 1: Ant Trails
What to look for: Small lines of ants marching along baseboards, windowsills, or countertops – especially near food sources or water.
Why it matters: Ants are scouts. If you see a few ants now, there’s a colony nearby sending out explorers. Catch them early before they establish a route into your kitchen.
What to do:
- Wipe down ant trails with vinegar and water (disrupts their scent trail)
- Seal cracks where you see them entering
- Keep food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs immediately
- Pull out appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher) to check for droppings and hidden food debris – these are prime ant highways
When to call for help: If ant trails keep reappearing after cleaning, or if you see them in multiple rooms, the colony is likely inside your walls.
Item 2: Termite Mud Tubes
What to look for: Pencil-width mud tubes running up your foundation, in crawl spaces, or along basement walls. They look like dried dirt trails.
Why it matters: Termites build these tubes to travel between their underground colonies and the wood in your home. If you see mud tubes, termites are actively feeding on your house.
What to do:
- Take a photo and document where you found them
- Break open a small section – if you see small white insects inside, termites are still active
- Clear out leaves, mulch, and debris piled near your foundation – these create moisture and attract termites
- Call a professional for an inspection (this isn’t a DIY fix)
Peak season alert: In Southern states, termite swarming season starts in late February/early March. Mud tubes are your early warning system – if you catch them now, you can prevent major damage.
When to call for help: Immediately. Termites cause billions in damage annually, and most homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover it.
Item 3: Rodent Droppings
What to look for: Small, dark pellets (about the size of a grain of rice) in your garage, attic, crawl space, or along baseboards. Fresh droppings are dark and moist; old ones are dry and gray.
Why it matters: If you see droppings, you have active rodent activity. Mice and rats reproduce quickly – one pair can turn into dozens in a few months.
What to do:
- Check for droppings near food sources, water, and warm areas
- Pull out appliances to check behind and underneath – rodents love hiding in these spots
- Look for gnaw marks on wires, insulation, or food packaging
- Seal entry points (mice can fit through a dime-sized hole)
- Keep trash cans sealed tightly and cleaned regularly – rodents are drawn to food waste
When to call for help: If you’re finding droppings regularly, or if you hear scratching in walls/attic, you likely have an established rodent problem that needs professional removal.
Item 4: Wasp Nests Starting to Form
What to look for: Small paper-like nests under eaves, in corners of porches, or in sheds/garages. In early spring, nests are usually golf-ball-sized or smaller.
Why it matters: Wasps are just starting to rebuild their nests in spring. A small nest now becomes a massive problem by summer if left unchecked.
What to do:
- Trim back bushes, tree limbs, and vines so they’re not touching the house – wasps love building nests in overgrown vegetation
- If the nest is small and you can safely reach it, knock it down at night (when wasps are less active)
- Wear protective clothing and have an escape route • If the nest is in a hard-to-reach spot or already large, call a pro
When to call for help: If you’re allergic to stings, or if the nest is in a high-traffic area near your home’s entrance.
Item 5: Spider Webs Multiplying
What to look for: Increased spider webs in corners, garages, porches, and around windows.
Why it matters: While spiders themselves are usually harmless (and eat other pests), lots of webs = lots of insects for them to eat. It’s a sign your home has a broader pest issue.
What to do:
- Knock down webs regularly
- Fix outdoor lighting (bugs attract spiders)
- Seal gaps around windows and doors
- Trim back bushes and vegetation near windows – spiders follow their food source (insects attracted to overgrowth)
Conclusion
Bottom line: Five minutes this weekend could save you thousands in pest damage later. Walk your property, check these five areas, and catch problems early.
Quick spring prevention checklist:
✓ Pull out appliances and check for droppings/debris
✓ Trim back bushes and tree limbs touching the house
✓ Clear leaves and mulch piled near your foundation
✓ Keep trash cans sealed and cleaned
Spotted something? Not sure what you’re looking at? Text a photo to 945-245-4227 and we’ll help you identify it.
Protect Your Home Today with Brooks Pest Solutions
Are you tired of waking up with mysterious bites? Are insects that bite preventing you from enjoying your backyard? Do not let pests rule your home. Our team of certified pest control professionals can identify the infestation and eliminate it at the source. Contact us today for a free inspection and reclaim your peace of mind!